Eastern Illinois football has been ranked in the preseason Top 25 by the Sporting News as preseason football magazines are being released during the summer. EIU is ranked 25th after going 7-5 last season and making the FCS playoffs for the 16th time in school history.
Defending national champion North Dakota State was the preseason favorite in the Sporting News followed by Sam Houston State, Richmond, Northern Iowa and Jacksonville State in the top five. EIU’s two FCS non-conference opponents are both ranked in the Top 25 poll with Illinois State ranked 10th and Western Illinois ranked 16th.
The Panthers will open the season at home on Thursday, Sept. 1 against Western Illinois.